WC, NNPGs opposes oil exploration before political settlement

DIMAPUR, JUN 11 (NPN): Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) has affirmed that any attempt to explore or extract natural resources, including petroleum, in Naga areas was “illegal and against the agreed principles” until the “Indo-Naga” political settlement was formally signed.
WC, NNPGs through its media cell said the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi displayed “maturity and wisdom” when then interlocutor RN Ravi signed the Agreed Position on November 17, 2017, with N. Kitovi Zhimomi, convener of WC, NNPGs, as the leader of the Naga delegation.
Referring to Part VII of the Agreed Position, WC maintained that ownership and transfer of land and its resources, including minerals, petroleum and natural gas, would rest with a post-settlement Nagaland government and the proposed Nagaland Tatar Hoho. It argued that any exploration or extraction of natural resources before a final political agreement was signed would be contrary to the agreed principles.
WC asserted that it would oppose any attempt by national or international companies to extract crude oil from Naga areas before a political settlement was reached. It also questioned proposals involving revenue-sharing arrangements between Nagaland and Assam, particularly in areas claimed by Nagas, stating that such arrangements did not reflect the interests of the Naga people.
The group described the disturbed area belt (DAB) as an integral part of the Naga homeland and said concerns raised by Naga tribes and civil society organisations (CSOs) over oil exploration and extraction were justified.
At the same time, the WC, NNPGs said major oil companies, including Oil India Limited, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited could become reliable partners for Nagas after a political settlement was achieved.
“The question is, when will the Gol officially sign and declare Naga political settlement, having acknowledged and appreciated the Naga history and identity?” WC stated, adding Nagas have the inborn talent and experience to partner with government of India in the strategic eastern sector.